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Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are investigating how different manure application strategies — unprocessed liquid manure, manure solids, and no manure — affect soil health and fertility. Preliminary findings suggest that manure solids, which contain more stable forms of nitrogen than liquid manure, enhance soil health and improve the retention of supplemental nitrogen fertilizer.

A recent study from Cornell University found that emission intensities of New York dairies were among the lowest per gallon of milk in both the U.S. and across North America. Key factors include the widespread use of manure over commercial fertilizers and the extensive production of high-quality, homegrown feed. These findings offer valuable insights to farms, cooperatives, and supply chains seeking to better understand their environmental footprint and identify opportunities for continued improvement.

California dairy farms are achieving significant methane reductions accredited to a strong commitment for environmental stewardship, as well as long-term economic viability supported by the state’s voluntary, incentive-based approach. Through a range of conservation efforts and incentives, California is projected to surpass its goal of cutting 7.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2030.

Athian has published a new emissions reduction protocol outlining how U.S. dairy farmers can lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of the amino-acid balanced, low-protein feed, AjiPro®-L. This protocol joins three others in Athian’s growing library, all aimed at supporting producer incentives for their verified on-farm GHG reduction efforts. Verified outcomes can be sold to supply chain partners, who may report them as Scope 3 insets.

Legacy Ranches of California is well-versed in navigating sustainable practices and technologies to address environmental challenges faced by their farm. The drive for enhanced farm efficiencies has prompted key operational decisions regarding agronomics, herd characteristics, manure management, and energy usage.

As new advancements emerge, dairy farmers are continuing to embrace the knowledge and innovation of dairy sustainability practices and technologies. Feed management and breeding strategies are two approaches to reducing enteric methane emissions. Researchers are now exploring the use of artificial intelligence to deliver data to farmers, offering insight into how management decisions might impact emissions.

Wisconsin farmers now have access to an online resource, the Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast, developed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The tool informs farmers of optimal conditions and timing for manure application, considering runoff risks into waterways as well as freezing events.

Choosing the right bedding is a key decision for every dairy farm—one that affects both cow comfort and overall farm efficiency. As a consistent, readily available resource that supports a closed loop system, manure solids are gaining interest among producers. Proper management is essential to make recycled solids a viable option. Maintaining optimal cow health depends primarily on monitoring bacterial concentrations in the bedding and ensuring the material stays dry.

The national Waste to Worth conference, hosted by the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC), will be held from April 7-11, 2025. This event will bring together a network of professionals from the U.S. and Canada representing Extension specialists, producers, conservation groups, and industry representatives to exchange knowledge on sustainable methods to manage manure.

A 25-year study conducted at the Long-Term Ecological Research Site at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, Michigan, revealed notable differences in soil carbon between fields using conservation versus conventional field management practices. Insights from this research will aid farmers and farm advisors in making informed decisions to implement sustainable practices.